Man in the Fedora Hat ~ Easel Musings Challenge...

Harland Samuels sat at the bar. He was just about to move on, when Harry hired her. Gina. Yes. She was just what he was looking for. She had soft features. Big brown eyes, olive skin, full lips, dark hair.

There he was again. Mr. Fedora, Gina liked to call him. The same time everyday--12:30 PM. He sits at the bar, smoking his cigar. Bourbon neat.

"Gina!" Harry bellowed.

Gina shook her head. "You know, just because a guy takes you out to dinner a few times and gives you a job--he swears he owns you!"

Harry brushed his huge mitts through his dark wavy hair. "Never mind," Harry muttered walking away. "Why I even bother...".

Gina stood there, shaking her head at Harry. "Big dumb bear," she whispered to herself. She knew Harry was sweet on her. He just wasn't her type. She decided to be a bit nicer to him. After all, he did give her a job. She'd invite him over for dinner tonight. Make him a big juicy steak. Then let him down easy.

Harry was pouring a Bourbon for Mr. Fedora, when Gina came out.

"Can you close up for me? I--I got some things to take care of."

"Sure, Harry. But I wanted to--"

"I got to go," Harry said cutting her off, grabbing his keys and leaving.

"Oh great," Gina sighed.

Harland Samuels watched Harry leave. Finally. Tonight, he and Gina would finally be together.

************************************

Gina was careful to make sure everything was shut down properly. She really didn't want to let Harry down. She'd just locked up, when someone startled her.

"Oh! Excuse me. I didn't see you."

Harland Samuels tipped his fedora.

"Oh. It's you. Did you forget something inside?"

"As a matter of fact, yes I did," he smiled.

Gina got an uneasy feeling. "Um...do you mind waiting until tomorrow. It's really hard getting this..." Gina didn't like the way Mr. Fedora was looking at her.

Harland smile a wicked smile at her. He reached his hand forward to touch her face.

Gina shrank back. "I--I think you better come back tomorrow,." She tried to leave.

Harland blocked her. "Gina, we have so much to learn about one another."

Before Gina could turn and run, Harland had his arms wrapped around her, a hand covering her mouth.

"I promise you, this won't hurt at all."

Gina's heart beat fast within her chest. How she wished Harry was there. She struggled to get free.

"Relax. Relax."

Gina felt the arms around her loosen, then fall away. When she turned around, she was never so happy to see Harry.

"Harry! Harry!" She leapt into his arms.

"Are you okay?" He asked panting.

She nodded.

"I saw--I saw him from across the street. I came back early."